The Political Round-Up: David S. Broder, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Washington Post and respected writer on national politics for 40 years, died today. He was 81; Dudley Do-Right: BP not to slacken on commitment to Gulf Coast.

Then Went Brunson: New trial sought in squabble over late lawyer's estate.

The Political Round-Up: Burke named to criminal appeals court; Lathan to lead local G.O.P., James tapped for state committee; Coastal insurance to get its day in the sun; Shelby taps three for service academies.

Ticking Time Bomb: DROP a/k/a The Alabama Deferred Retirement Option Program. Alabama Policy Institute President Gary Palmer: 'DROP funnels millions of dollars away from classrooms and other essential state services into 'pension perks' for public employees.' Its elimination would be a step toward closing the budget gap.

State Sen. Hank Sanders: '... we have already cut everything that could be cut.'

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